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Pictured Above: A warm and inviting Brooklyn kitchen designed by Christina Salway.
If you think a kitchen renovation begins with choosing cabinet colors, countertops, a backsplash, or the perfect Pinterest-worthy finishes, designers would tell you otherwise. According to the experts, the real priority is something far less obvious—but far more important.
The starting point is the layout. It shapes how the kitchen works every day and often determines whether a remodel truly transforms the space or simply gives it a fresh new look.
“If designers had a tell, it would be this: we walk into a kitchen and immediately start rearranging it in our heads,” says Lauren Jennifer Tolles, founder of Maison Birmingham. “Before I even clock the cabinet color, I'm already mentally moving walls, shifting the island, and quietly breaking up traffic jams between the sink, stove, and fridge. I’m even looking at moving entrances into the kitchen, because the real glow-up isn’t the new marble—it’s the layout.”
Here's why designers believe optimizing your kitchen's layout should be the first item on your renovation checklist.
Why Your Kitchen Layout Should Be a Renovation Priority
Design pros prioritize how the space works long before deciding how it looks. Emily LaMarque, founder and principal of Emily LaMarque Design Studio, approaches every renovation with a comprehensive plan that starts well before demolition.
“We look at appliance location and accessibility, sink and prep space, functional counter space, storage concerns, plumbing areas (think pot fillers, prep sinks, beverage bars), lighting and electrical functions, as well as durability and aesthetic of surface materials,” LaMarque says.
Identify and Fix Pain Points
So, when it comes to a kitchen layout, how do you figure out what to change? Most designers focus on fixing the biggest source of frustration and work from there.
“Since every kitchen remodel is different, I always try to target the biggest problem area, whether this is cabinetry quality, appliance function, surface wear and tear, or even just poor lighting quality,” says LaMarque. “Sometimes everything in the kitchen is an issue, and we need to completely start anew.”
Tolles agrees, noting it doesn’t matter what you spend upgrading your kitchen if it still doesn’t function properly.
“Ultimately, anyone can design you a beautiful kitchen, but if your countertops are still cluttered or you’re running a 5k to make dinner—then the layout isn’t functional, they haven’t done you a proper service,” says Tolles.
Starting with layout and functionality isn’t just about convenience, but is also a smart financial move, as kitchen renovations can get expensive quickly. Prioritizing the right changes keeps costs under control. LaMarque says it’s important to understand what to change and what can be modified or left alone. A full overhaul isn’t always necessary. Strategic updates can make a significant difference, which will save on your overall kitchen remodel budget.
“For instance, if you can cut down costs by keeping the overall layout or reusing certain items, those sustainable choices will go a long way in saving both time and overall expenses,” says LaMarque.
According to LaMarque, other ideas to cut costs include preserving cabinets and appliances when possible. Doing so might mean your dream kitchen can finally become a reality—hopefully sooner than expected.
Enjoy the Efficiency Payoff
Prioritizing layout allows homeowners to invest where it counts and get a better ROI on their kitchen renovation project. Instead of overspending on finishes that won’t improve daily life, the budget can prioritize changes that make the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have your dream farmhouse sink or luxury pendant, just that it shouldn’t be the first choice you make.
“Kitchen remodels are an expensive investment, so digging into what works and what doesn’t is top of my list to create a successful kitchen remodel,” says LaMarque.
